Weekend Update.

Huzzah, it's the weekend. While this week was short - wasn't sure if I would make it or not. But, lo & behold - I did. This am - my hubs & I used the $1 left on our Dunkin Donuts giftcard to score a BOGO on iced coffee/breakfast. Not the healthiest options but when the alarm went off - it was easier to get up before the sun knowing that iced caramel coffee and my all time favorite chocolate cake donut was waiting for me. 

Anyway - not sure if you're aware of the equally AWESOME organization that you can get involved with called: Influenster. They're similar to what I do with BzzAgent which is score pretty sweet swag and test it out, report on it and earn future projects. Well I earned a free #VoxBox which comes with goodies to try out. This one included scandaleyes Rimmel London mascara *you need to buy it.* This mascara essentially makes me feel as confident/cool/determined as Olivia Pope when she is all business on Scandal. The next awesome item in this box was a SoftLips cube. I've heard of this brand before but honestly wasn't too impressed but I have to say this product I got reinvented the brand for me. I absolutely love this chap-stick cube - there are several scents available and its a must have now. This product in turn made me switch from using all lip gloss to chap stick again. What's great about this chap-stick is that it not only does it smell awesome, it really hydrates your lips. Living in Florida, my lips get really chapped sometimes because its so humid and hot, and I am one that drinks water like a fish! My chap-stick cube is with me wherever I go and I absolutely love it! I cannot stop raving about it! 

 Another equally awesome part of the #SpringFlingVoxBox is that I received more Nivea firming lotion. I really enjoy this brand. The smell is heavenly but I really enjoy how it hydrates my skin. Most of my lotion comes from Bath and Body Works - I've noticed I love the scents but sometimes it feels I am just putting more on my skin to where it feels heavy. The Nivea lotion is incredibly powerful, it immediately refreshes my skin no matter the time of day. I absolutely keep it with me wherever I am. 

I'd say the not so great part of my #VoxBox is that I got french tip nails. I haven't worn these since I was in high school but I will give them a try since I cannot afford to pay for a mani right now.I will say the lovely part of my #VoxBox is that I received a free air freshener. 

All in all, I really have enjoyed my goodies from Influenster this week. *Please note, I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."

Thanks for stopping by & I'll see you back on here this upcoming week. Have a fantastic weekend. :)

Now & Then: A Decade Later

Happy Wednesday, friends! Even though we were off Monday - this week is definitely one that needs to hurry up and end already. Today, I am celebrating (to a degree) that a full 10 years has passed since I graduated high school. Thought I'd celebrate the differences in my life since that day on 

May 28, 2004 & May 28, 2014. 

10 years ago.. 

I was 18. Celebrating life - headed to college out of state.

Partying w/family & friends. 

Belonged to my church youth group.

Worked two jobs my senior year.

My sis *far right* was almost 3 years old.

My adventure had only begun.

10 years later.. 

I am 28. Celebrating life - done w/college & grad school.

Spend most time with my family.

Church hunting still. 

Work at a well-known entertainment university.

My sis is almost 14. 

My adventure keeps going. 

Hope your week is going well. See you back here tomorrow for Thursday Thoughts :)

~ Jessica

BzzAgent Review: Coppertone Sunny Days sunscreen

Hello, friends! Hope you had a fantastic Memorial Day weekend. I spent yesterday feasting & swimming w/family at my parent's house. As previously mentioned, I am a BzzAgent - I spread "bzz" about products, share coupons and give out product samples I receive to friends/family so they can try it out. I also get the chance to try it out and I have to say - in my opinion, I am not a super big fan of this sunscreen. Personally, since I live in Florida, where it appears we're like 3 feet from the sun all day - I need more than 30 spf which is what this offers. This sunscreen gave me a scare as it appeared to give me a breakout of bumps on my arms. Otherwise - it was fine, very light - fit under makeup to make me feel confident & it absorbs fast!

I say, wherever you are - you must use sunscreen. I recently took part in a Twitter party with Neutrogena & Crowdtappers, and both Kerry Washington (Scandal!) & Jennifer Garner shared some insane facts about the dangers of not keeping yourself protected in the sun. Allow me to share some with you: 

Even on a cloudy day, about 80% of the sun's ultraviolet rays could push through the clouds. (!!)
After suffering as little as 1 major sunburn as a child, this still raises the chances of you getting skin cancer.
Did you know?! It’s been estimated that more than 76,000 new melanomas will be diagnosed THIS YEAR ALONE #ChooseSkinHealth #NTGSpokesperson
ANOTHER FACT more than 90% of the visible changes commonly attributed 2 skin aging r caused by UVexposure #ChooseSkinHealth #NTGSpokesperson

That's all insane facts. I also learned that if you're in FL - depending on what activities you're in such as shopping, apply twice/day. If you're out in the sun at the beach, apply every 30-60 min. For those who want sunscreen that protects against humidity, you can check out sports versions of sunscreen.

Regardless of what sunscreen you use daily, I hope you'll stay protected and use it everyday!

*Are you interested in trying out products for FREE to use your voice? Feel free to stop by www.bzzagent.com and register for a new account. They're opening new campaigns all the time!

Take care & see you back here tomorrow! ~ Jessica

Five on Friday! :) :)

I am a little late on this but Happy Friday! I am blessed to work for an university that recognizes the hard work and service of the students who are veterans. Growing up, I never understood what Memorial Day really was. I knew it was military related but since being promoted to my military team, I've gotten to learn first-hand exactly the sacrifices that these men and women have endured. Being in the military is a real deal - you have a LOT of responsibilities, sometimes on very little sleep -- but at the end of the day, you are keeping all of us safe. Today at our Memorial Day ceremony, our keynote speaker mentioned what his version of what a veteran is -- it was roughly a billion degrees outside but from what I remember - People sleep quietly while the men and women are standing outside their door keeping the peace. Something to that effect. I was thrilled that I got to enjoy Chickfila & Jeremiah's Ice while downing bottles of water. Turns out I also got a tad sunburned, which is going to be a super fun tan. Alright - time to celebrate my week and be glad it's the weekend.

1. I think the best part of the week is that my baby seester finished her last day of finals for middle school. She's officially a FRESHMAN in high school! #classof2019 Goodness, I am slightly feeling pretty old. :) :) (far right - this is an older pic).

2) I have absolutely fallen in love with the flavor of anything and everything Birthday Cake. It comes in m&m's, ice cream. It's an incredibly rich flavor. I had some iice cream just now because that goes perfectly with my Scandal marathon and I licked the bowl like my pups would. 

3) Tomorrow is a busy day. My hubs is going to the dentist, I am finally going to Goodwill and donating EVERYTHING that I've been wanting to donate for the past few YEARS. I keep saying I am going, but then I don't and its just accumulated. I don't mean to insult or make fun of people who are on the show 'Hoarders'. But I kind of feel like all this stuff is quickly heading in that direction. Another awesome fact is that I get to go on a mini golf double date with my hubs, my bestie and her mister.. Yay for Groupons & Taco date :) :)

4) This week I took a hard look at my #weightloss goals and came up with a new workout routine. It was hard, sweaty and I downed an entire bottle of smartwater in a short time span. I tell you what - the guy who does Zumba Expert level resembles Channing Tatum in Magic Mike. & Jillian Michaels after those 40 minutes? Brutal! 

But worth it. Just reminded to take it day by day. :)

5. I think the best part of my entire week is this week was crossing off a lot of little to - do's on the bigger to-do list. I watched the next big talent win the title of "The Voice" this week. We've been working on painting the room that will be for our future babies. It's the planner in us. It helps keep the dream real that this condition of mine after I lose all the weight for my #BiggestLoser moment hopefully by next fall -- won't give us any issues trying to start our family. 

This week had its ups and downs but all in all - its important to keep the spirit and momentum up as high as possible. I need to keep working out, even on days when I want to crawl up and keep my dreams on top of my sweet tooth. I worked hard and while tonight's reward was ice cream and a Scandal marathon --  Mind you, this is just a pep talk for myself but sometimes I need to be transparent and honest about my goals instead of keeping them on Post-It Notes.

Off to measure for new shelves while keeping on with this Scandal marathon! I'm thinking since tomorrow in Central Florida will be 96 degrees - I will need to get my hands on Publix Sweet Tea! :) 

Thanks for stopping by & I'll see you back here tomorrow! You stay classy, planet Earth ;)  ~ J

Thursday Thoughts.

I am so glad this day is over! I walked into work today, knowing it would be crazy and when I got there, someone had called out and I inherited their work on top of my own.

What do you do when you find yourself in this situation?
You immerse yourself in a mini Scandal marathon courtesy of Netflix.
You pet your two beautiful dogs, who sometimes make your life chaotic but like to give you love.
You enjoy some of your favorite snack - i.e. Kettle Sea Salt & Vinegar chips.
You enjoy giftcards from your wedding and peruse what things could be used at home.
You talk to your husband whose smile and hugs take away all stress from that day.
You take the reins of your blog and pop out both posts, while brainstorming your next ones.

Today was not my best day. But when I take a moment to encourage others and thank the Lord that I am actually too blessed to consider myself in a bad rut. I'd like to share my biggest reasons for why I am blessed and overall thankful for everything in my life. Some of these may seem silly but they make me SMILE!

1)

                             
                             

                        

Why am I so blessed you may ask? I met and married my best friend in 2011.

I've been blessed to go on 3 cruises, two of them being Disney Cruises & being introduced to Disney's private island - Castaway Cay in the Caribbean. 

When I have a bad day, and imagine being on a beach - that's where my mind goes, everytime!

Starbucks is a close friend. & that last one? My mantra in life.

I am slightly, well pretty open about my Target addiction.

I have two dogs who always keep me on the go!

I spend many weeknights, weekends at Disney World & wouldn't have it ANY other way.

I have some pretty freaking amazing friends in my life.

& it helps that my guy always keeps me smiling! :)

This is only a sneak peek or a glimpse of why I am blessed. Thanks for stopping by.

& I look forward to seeing you back here tomorrow for Five on Friday :) :) 

Staring my goals in the face.

May is a month of chapters in my life. It has been the month where chapters closed, followed by open windows of new ones emerging. This year is the 10th anniversary when all of my big dreams were birthed. I was celebrating my graduation from high school. I knew that moment on May 28th, 2004 that my life was truly about to start for real. No matter all the crappy cards that I had been dealt those four years, this part of my life was over and the real, better silver lining that my parents had told me about was ready to show itself.

After high school, I started the newer chapter of my life. I started college out of state, while I only stayed at that college for 18 months, it was a huge learning experience. I really understood myself - in terms of what I dislike, what I like and what I wanted to do with my life while in college. I moved back home with my parents and took a year to attend the local community college to get those gen ed's out of the way. It wasn't mentally challenging because the workload felt like an extension of high school but by the following January when I made the decision to stay in-state, I was able to transfer a lot of credits in. I started with education, but made the switch (I regret it now) to communications, which I do like my degree. 

I remember May 2nd, 2009. I had spent the night before prepping my hair so it'd be curly. My mom made me a dress that's sparkly and butterflies. It was a fantastic day to spend with friends & family. 6 weeks after I graduated, I met my now husband. I was involved in an internship that would prove to be heading nowhere. My now husband was finishing an internship at Disney in the College Program, and about to start his final semester at college. I was ready for an adventure, the kind that changes your life in an instant. That adventure was my now husband. I surprised my parents by announcing, hey I'm moving to Kansas. I moved into my first apartment, I got a job (that I loved!) and started grad school while being with the man I loved. I only was there for a year but in that time we knew what our goals were: we wanted to be together with many adventures. We wanted to finish our degrees, get married, buy a house, start a family & the list goes on. [Before I moved I had lost 25 lbs, and then when I moved on my own - I gained it back and some more.]

We're about to celebrate our third wedding anniversary. I can't believe how fast time has flown by. We've really accomplished a lot of FANTASTIC goals. We bought our first house six months after we got married, which our wedding gifts helped with our down payment. We both graduated with our graduate degrees, months apart last year. We've worked on our house and made significant improvements. Last year, we put a big dent towards our student loans before we were required and are on the way to being debt free down the road. 

Tonight - however was staring down my goals. I've mentioned this before but I've had hypothyroidism my entire life. This condition goes against weight loss, and its definitely been a struggle in my life. Two years ago when I started my weight loss journey for the sole purpose of getting healthy - I lost 40 lbs fast. Now, with my remaining 75 lbs to lose - its proving to be a challenge. But this month - I decided I needed to make time for my goals. I stare at them in the face, I count calories, I force myself to portion size my meals and I only allow myself two cheat days/week. I'm learning how to really tone down stress, its hurt me in reaching my goals. But tonight I started a new workout routine, 40 minutes of Zumba at the Expert level followed by Jillian Michaels. My goals are simple - my husband is ready to be a daddy and I really want to give that to him next fall. So, I had to step my goals up, and I am excited because I am ready to enjoy life more fully.

I was thinking of this post while working out and I felt like its important to share my goals from where I started until the present moment. My big goal right now is to just lose the weight, as close to 50 lbs by my birthday in October. I am celebrating my birthday at the beach and with friends/family but I'd really like to be able to buy a new bathing suit as a birthday gift to me. Living in Florida, I can always find a good bathing suit sale - so I am excited to meet the goal for myself. 

What about you? What are the goals you're staring at right now to accomplish? Big or small - know that you can do it! Every time it feels like too much - I quote both Philippians 4:13 & Jeremiah 29:11 over and over. 

              

Thank God tomorrow is Thursday! I'm so excited for the long holiday weekend ahead! See you back here tomorrow! ~ Jessica

sometimes, i must reflect. #june18

{Oh, Robert De Niro - highlight of the movie.}

Truth is - I absolutely love rom com movies. My husband protests when I want to watch one and then swoon over it - letting my girly side come out. But it's hard not to - when the perfect cue and the kissing starts especially when they have their dramatic speeches about why the other is their perfect match. & why the guy is who they've been waiting for. 

I am a month away from celebrating my 3rd wedding anniversary and today I was reminded about the relationship/bond with my mister is SO important *not that I ever thought it wasn't.* I watched a video about a charming couple, Ian & Larissa who have braved many more dark days but still managed to keep a smile and thanking God for these brighter moments.  His brain injury was but a speck in their relationship and future marriage.  That video made me tear up today and made me remember my wedding vows even more. 

When I married Chris that day almost three years ago, we took an oath. We promised a lot to each other when there are so many uncertainties, I promised to him a life of adventure despite every curve ball in our lives - no matter what happens to us - that I'd have his back in the best & worst situation until our death. Those aren't light promises, folks. Those are intense and I meant every single word. The best thing I've learned about my marriage is that every moment can make or break it. Every thing you say can either build him up or break him down. My sarcasm at times has led to some pretty unfortunate moments between us because I try to be funny. But at the end of the day, we keep moving forward. We don't sweat the small stuff. We gots plans and we are constantly reminded of the bigger picture. We want to start our family, be better off financially *we are* and continue to let God steer us in the direction HE wants to go. 

My husband hates cards - so this year & every year we're going to be crafty. I didn't tell him this part. We're taking a picture on our anniversary - cue the cute selfie and then we're each writing a letter of our favorite memories from that year previously.  I am going to scrapbook them and open these envelopes up on big anniversaries. That's the crafty side of me coming out. I want us to look back in thirty years and remember the memories, the best of what we've had more than what a hallmark card says. The memories are ones you never forget. 

Welp, tomorrow we're trying out a new church and enjoying a nice day together. Which I absolutely love. 

Thanks for stopping by... ~ J

our recent #weekendadventures

Last night while laying in bed, that's honestly when C & I decide to chat at night. Worst time ever really because I am usually either in the extreme of super tired - will fall asleep when my head hits the pillow or wide awake. In the past few nights, I've been reflecting on how blessed my life is. I live in Florida (a LOT of people here hate living here for whatever reasons). I have annual passes to two of the best theme parks around (can go/leave when I want) and I'm a homeowner. I also am blessed to have my family live close by as well as most of my close gal pals. This has allowed me to have some pretty fantastic impromptu coffee dates or other adventures. Thought I'd take this post to share some of our recent adventures.

1) That hot pink truck thing was what I designed recently when we were riding Test Track. My hubs gave me full creative control so what else but to design a funky, HOT pink truck. I was proud and couldn't stop smiling. Needless to say, this will NOT be our next car. 

2) The middle pic is from our experience at the Flower & Garden festival at Epcot in April. If you've never been to this - its amazing, the entire park is decked out in flowers with HGTV demonstrations and different individuals who've planted flowers/veggies, etc showcase their talents. There is food, entertainment. This was in the butterfly garden - hundreds of butterflies flying around, I snapped a picture of one resting in the flowers. 

3) Part of what I love about Disney and their details during the Flower & Garden festivals which made me smile: different Disney characters pop up around the park shaped and pruned from plants/shrubs. I love Winnie the Pooh, they had the entire cast there - but since I didn't want to dominate it - I had to take short/choppy pictures.

4) center: Prince Charming & Cinderella//Flower & Garden festival.

5) Belle & Beast//Flower & Garden festival.

6) Disney water tower from the Backlot Tour at what will always be MGM to me.

7) More butterflies/flowers.//Flower & Garden festival.

There are many more pictures - but I've essentially taken up residence at Disney this year. We just went Sunday and I am already excited to head out again. :) 

Tonight is elliptical/Jillian as I catch up on some shows. I am sad its the time of year when my shows all end till the fall. But I am excited for America's Got Talent to start back up. That will be fun to enjoy til we get some time off later this summer. What about y'all? Any big summer plans or things you're looking forward to? Yay for 5 on Friday tomorrow :) 

Thanks for stopping by//God Bless - J

Ohh, the honesty chat.

Hello, friends. After reading a beautiful post by one of my favorite bloggers about why she blogs, I realized that I needed to stop letting my life get in the way and stop neglecting my post. When I first started blogging, I first wrote on a page through Xanga, mostly to keep in touch before Facebook after I returned home after attending college for 18 months out of state. My blog on Xanga was almost like a diary - no real important details but sometimes just awkward to write. Like those early Facebook posts that I saw on my feed: Bob bought a coke & liked it. Or Sue went to school today and aced her test. While these were great posts, they weren't really connecting me with people. They were keeping me in my bubble.

One of the biggest questions I've encountered while writing my book (still in process for years) is why I enjoy writing. What is my goal that I hope to get across to my readers not only on here but when my book gets published (hopefully next year).

I enjoy writing & blogging because it allows me to share moments of reflection of either past experiences or something on my heart that by writing a to do list or something small wouldn't allow me to process my internal ramblings. I've noticed in the past few years that I greatly enjoy being more reserved because it allows me the opportunity for inspiration, whether posts I want to share or memories I want to recall deeper. I also feel that writing is a way to connect with other individuals. I realize that for the past (in my case) 8 years that Facebook has been a constant presence in my life, and in the past few years - Instagram also has too. I only use Facebook for the opportunity of staying in touch or re-connecting with old friends/family who live out of state. I feel in the next few years that Facebook won't really be something I really keep up with - there are many days where I honestly want to leave it behind cold turkey because it just creates too much unneeded drama in my life.

I feel like this blog is my journey to share the coming chapters in my life. I've been dealt a few cards in my life that have caused internal turmoil that I want to connect with others - being my lifelong condition of hypothyroidism and how its hurt me in losing weight & pushed out my dream of becoming a mother. This journey is hard, and something that will be part of the rest of my life. I am sure there are those out there who may have this condition and it'd be nice to find new friends who are in my shoes. Or maybe there are those ladies who are on the weight loss train themselves. I've been working hard *on/off* for the past 2+ years to shed the weight. I've shed 40 pounds and kept it off but I also have another 75+ to lose before having a healthy pregnancy is even on the table for my life. Or maybe there is a reader out there who is married and just living life. I've been super blessed to marry my best friend. He makes me laugh and I love waking up to or going to bed with him by my side. I wouldn't want to do life with anyone else.

This is my space to talk about all of the previous topics. This is my space to share, connect, befriend and enjoy life. I love finding new opportunities to find new friends. I love to write and be in community with ladies who love to write and share their lives (that sounded creepy but I'm not a stalker! lol) This is the story that I am going to be better about. I am on various journeys - I am on my marriage journey (about to celebrate 3 years of wedded adventures), on my life journey that's intertwined with discovering my greatness/lose the weight & get fit so that we can start our family. I'm a planner and I enjoy posting about my life. I am excited to see the positives of what this blog will bring and the friendships I will make.

Hope you're having a FANTASTIC week. After taking a few too many days off, tomorrow night I'll be rejoining Jillian Michaels for my six week six pack.  YAY. :) Thanks for stopping by! ~ J

BzzAgent//Review: Bic Soleil Glow razors

Happy Friday!

I've been blessed to earn some pretty cool products from BzzAgent by sharing my voice in what works and what does. I've been given the opportunity to review these razors I earned for FREE in lieu of my opinion.

Have you ever found yourself stuck to a particular brand of razors, ladies? You're in the bathroom or the shower and you notice you're starting to resemble some really unattractive hairy legs. (Don't judge, it happens to us all from time to time).  For years, I've used either Venus or disposable razors from Target.

However, if you're like me, you kind of have to pay an arm to afford a Venus razor lately, and disposable razors are just iffy because they're cheap and not made to last. Well -- I feel like Vanna White here.

These new razors are built to last, they shave well on the first try and not only do they have a sturdy handle so you can control them but they have a guard that you can slide off the front. Usually my disposable razors are equipped with a flimsy plastic cover that you have to risk and pull off, attached to the blades. Every time I have tried to be careful, I always get nicked. The blades also just don't last long.

I honestly enjoy these razors - they are sturdy, with the 3 blades and they come in a multi pack of 3 razors. Another positive - they are only $6.99 - which isn't expensive compared to any of the brands like Venus or Gillette which basically cost an arm & a leg to buy a refill.

So, I challenge you to go pick some up. I think in the long run, I am going to get the new Bic Solei Glow razors from here on out. The results are amazing and it takes a fraction of the time than fighting with those disposable or cheaply made ones.

*Are you interested in sharing your opinion for the opportunity of scoring some new, fresh products? All you need to do is email me at jessica_whitney@hotmail.com that you'd love to join as well & I will send you more info. I've been doing this for over a year and its honestly super fun. I've reviewed yogurt, lawn care, foundation, and many other topics - feel free to visit my blog for my other reviews if you're interested!*